WA Energy Rebates 2026: Every Concession You May Be Eligible For

Updated April 2026 · General information only

Western Australia operates a different energy market to the eastern states — there is no National Energy Market connection, and two government-owned providers (Synergy and Horizon Power) serve the vast majority of households. But the concession and rebate system is just as important, and eligible WA households may access several programs that stack together to meaningfully reduce energy costs.

This guide covers every major energy-related concession and rebate available to Western Australian residents in 2026, including who may be eligible, how much each is worth, and how to apply.

TL;DR

Western Australia offers the Energy Assistance Payment (EAP) of $326.33 per year for eligible concession card holders, a Dependent Child Rebate of $146.84 per child per year, and the Hardship Utility Grant Scheme (HUGS) covering 85% of an outstanding bill for those in financial crisis. Seniors aged 65+ may access additional concessions through the WA Seniors Card, and a Cost of Living Payment provides $110.07 per year (singles) or $165.10 per year (couples) to registered WA Seniors Card holders, paid via direct bank transfer. On top of state concessions, the Federal Energy Bill Relief Fund provides $150.00 per year to all Australian households. Depending on household circumstances, eligible WA families could receive an estimated $600–$800+ per year in combined energy-related concessions.

What WA Energy Concessions Are Available?

The Western Australian Government provides several concession and rebate programs to help eligible households manage energy costs. Unlike the eastern states where dozens of private retailers compete, most WA households are supplied by either Synergy (South West Interconnected System — Perth metro and surrounds) or Horizon Power (regional and remote WA). Both providers administer state concessions on behalf of the WA Government.

Here is a summary of the main energy-related concessions available:

Source:
, Synergy, Horizon Power, as of April 2026. Amounts subject to change.

Energy Assistance Payment (EAP) — $326.33 per Year

The Energy Assistance Payment is Western Australia's primary energy concession for eligible concession card holders. It is the equivalent of the energy rebates offered in other states like NSW, Victoria, and South Australia.

Key details:

• Amount: $326.33 per year *(Source: WA Government, 2025-26 concession rates)*

• Covers: Electricity charges

• Payment method: Applied as a credit directly to your electricity bill by Synergy or Horizon Power

• Limit: One payment per household (not per person)

• Application: Must be registered with your electricity provider

Who Is Eligible?

You may be eligible if you are the account holder (or the spouse/partner of the account holder) and hold one of the following cards:

• Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) — issued by Centrelink or DVA

• Health Care Card (HCC) — issued by Centrelink

• DVA Gold Card — Department of Veterans' Affairs

The electricity account must be in your name (or your partner's name) at your principal place of residence in Western Australia.

How It Is Applied

The EAP is divided across your billing cycles throughout the year. If you receive quarterly bills, you will see approximately $81.58 credited per quarter. The exact per-bill amount may vary slightly depending on your billing frequency and when you registered.

Source:
, Synergy concessions, as of April 2026.

Dependent Child Rebate — $146.84 per Child per Year

If you are already receiving the Energy Assistance Payment and have dependent children, you may also be eligible for the Dependent Child Rebate. This is applied per child, making it particularly valuable for larger families.

Key details:

• Amount: $146.84 per dependent child per year *(Source: WA Government, 2025-26 concession rates)*

• Eligibility: You must already be receiving the EAP, and the child must be a dependent living in your household

• Payment method: Applied as an additional credit to your electricity bill

• Stackable: Applied on top of the EAP — a family with three dependent children could receive an additional $440.52 per year

How to Claim

When you register for the Energy Assistance Payment with Synergy or Horizon Power, you can also declare the number of dependent children in your household. The rebate should be applied automatically once your details are confirmed. If your family circumstances change (e.g., a new child, or a child leaving home), contact your electricity provider to update your records.

Source:
, as of April 2026.

HUGS — Hardship Utility Grant Scheme

The Hardship Utility Grant Scheme (HUGS) is Western Australia's primary emergency assistance program for households that are unable to pay their utility bills. Unlike the EAP, HUGS is not an ongoing concession — it is a one-off grant designed to help clear an outstanding bill during genuine financial hardship.

Key details:

• Amount: 85% of the outstanding bill at the time of application. Maximum: $640/year (south of latitude 26°S) or $1,060/year (north of latitude 26°S)

• Covers: Electricity, gas, and water bills

• Eligibility: You must be experiencing financial hardship and at risk of disconnection or restriction of supply

• How to access: Through a HUGS-approved financial counsellor or community agency — you cannot apply directly to your utility provider

• Frequency: Once per financial year (if you have received HUGS in the prior 3 years, additional assessment criteria apply) *(Source:
)*

How to Access HUGS

1. Contact a HUGS-approved financial counsellor — you can find one through the
or the WA Department of Communities

2. The counsellor will assess your financial situation and confirm whether HUGS is appropriate

3. If approved, the grant (85% of your outstanding bill) is paid directly to your utility provider

4. You may also be referred to additional support services, budgeting assistance, or your retailer's hardship program

Before Applying for HUGS

Before seeking HUGS assistance, it is worth checking whether you:

• Have registered for the Energy Assistance Payment (if eligible)

• Have contacted your electricity provider about a payment plan or hardship program — both Synergy and Horizon Power are required to offer these

• Have explored other assistance options such as Centrelink crisis payments

HUGS is intended as a safety net for genuine crisis situations, and financial counsellors will typically check that other avenues have been explored first.

Source:
, as of April 2026.

WA Seniors Card Concessions

The WA Seniors Card provides a range of concessions to Western Australian residents. Born before 1 July 1959: eligible at age 64. Born on or after 1 July 1959: eligible at age 65. (Source:
) While the card itself does not provide a direct electricity rebate, it unlocks several benefits that reduce overall household costs.

Key energy-related and household concessions:

• Vehicle registration: 50% off light vehicle registration fees — a significant saving for seniors who drive *(Source: WA Government, Seniors Card concessions)*

• Public transport: Free travel on Transperth services during off-peak hours

• Council rates: Many local councils offer rate concessions to Seniors Card holders (varies by council area)

• Water: WA Seniors Card holders: $100/year. Seniors Card + CSHC holders: up to $600/year. *(Source:
)*

Seniors Card vs Pensioner Concession Card

It is important to distinguish between the WA Seniors Card and the Pensioner Concession Card (PCC):

Self-funded retirees who do not hold a PCC or HCC should check whether they are eligible for the
, which may provide access to additional concessions at the federal level.

Source:
, as of April 2026.

Cost of Living Payment — $110.07 to $165.10 per Year

The WA Government provides a Cost of Living Payment (sometimes referred to as the WA Cost of Living Rebate) to registered WA Seniors Card holders to help offset general household expenses.

Key details:

• Amount: $110.07 per year (singles) or $165.10 per year (couples)

• Eligibility: You must be a registered WA Seniors Card holder

• Payment method: Paid via direct bank transfer (EFT) to your nominated bank account — not applied to your electricity bill

• Frequency: Annual

Important Note

The Cost of Living Payment amounts and eligibility criteria may change with each state budget. The figures cited here are based on the most recently published rates and should be verified with the
or your electricity provider.

Source: WA Government concessions schedule, as of April 2026.

Synergy vs Horizon Power: WA's Two Electricity Providers

Unlike the eastern states where dozens of private retailers compete for customers, Western Australia's residential electricity market is served primarily by two government-owned providers:

Synergy (Perth Metro and South West)

• Coverage: The South West Interconnected System (SWIS) — Perth metropolitan area, Mandurah, Bunbury, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, and surrounding regions

• Customer base: The vast majority of WA residential customers

• Concessions: Administers the EAP, Dependent Child Rebate, and other WA Government concessions on behalf of the state

• Contact:
or 13 13 53

Horizon Power (Regional and Remote WA)

• Coverage: Regional and remote areas of WA not connected to the SWIS — including the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne, Goldfields-Esperance, and Mid West

• Customer base: Smaller but spread across a vast geographic area

• Concessions: Also administers the EAP and other state concessions — the same concession amounts apply regardless of whether you are with Synergy or Horizon Power

• Contact:
or 1800 267 926

What This Means for Concessions

The concession amounts (EAP, Dependent Child Rebate, etc.) are set by the WA Government and are the same regardless of which provider serves your area. You apply through your provider — Synergy or Horizon Power — and the credit is applied to your bill. There is no need to "shop around" for a different retailer as you would in NSW or Victoria, because residential customers in WA generally do not have retailer choice.

This also means there is no risk of losing concessions by switching retailers — because for most WA households, there is only one retailer available.

Stacking Example: How Much Could an Eligible WA Household Receive?

Here is an example of how concessions may stack for an eligible Pensioner Concession Card holder with two dependent children in Perth:

Important notes:

• The Dependent Child Rebate scales with the number of children — larger families may receive significantly more

• A single pensioner with no children would receive an estimated $326.33 (EAP) + $110.07–$165.10 (Cost of Living) + $150.00 (Federal) = $586.40–$641.43

• The HUGS grant is not included in ongoing stacking calculations as it is a one-off emergency payment

• All amounts are estimated and subject to change by the WA and Australian Governments

• The 50% vehicle registration discount through the WA Seniors Card provides additional household savings outside the energy bill

How to Apply

For the Energy Assistance Payment and Dependent Child Rebate

1. Contact your electricity provider — Synergy (13 13 53) or Horizon Power (1800 267 926)

2. Provide your concession card details — card type, card number, and the name on the card

3. Declare the number of dependent children in your household (if applicable)

4. Confirm your residential address — the account must be at your principal place of residence in Western Australia

5. The concession will be applied to your next billing cycle and continue automatically while you remain eligible

Both Synergy and Horizon Power allow you to register your concession card online, by phone, or in writing.

For the Cost of Living Payment

You must be a registered WA Seniors Card member. Payment is made via EFT to your bank account. For details, visit the
.

For HUGS (Hardship Utility Grant Scheme)

1. Contact a HUGS-approved financial counsellor — call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 or contact the WA Department of Communities

2. The counsellor will assess your situation and determine whether a HUGS grant is appropriate

3. If approved, 85% of your outstanding bill is paid directly to your utility provider

For the WA Seniors Card

1. Apply online at
or at a WA Government service centre

2. Eligibility age: Born before 1 July 1959: eligible at age 64. Born on or after 1 July 1959: eligible at age 65. You must be a WA resident and working no more than 25 hours per week

3. Once issued, present your card to access concessions on vehicle registration, public transport, and other services

Important Reminders

• If your concession card is renewed or reissued with a new number, update your electricity provider immediately to avoid interruption

• If you move address, contact your provider to update your details — this is especially relevant if you move between Synergy and Horizon Power areas

• If a dependent child leaves home or a new child joins the household, update your provider to ensure the Dependent Child Rebate is correct

Tips to Get the Most From WA Energy Concessions

1. Register for All Applicable Concessions — Not Just One

Some WA households register their concession card for the Energy Assistance Payment but miss the Dependent Child Rebate or Cost of Living Payment. When you contact Synergy or Horizon Power, ask specifically about all concessions you may be eligible for based on your card type and household composition. Do not assume that registering for one automatically enrols you in the others.

2. Check Your Bill Regularly to Confirm Credits Are Appearing

Review your electricity bill each billing cycle to confirm that concession credits are appearing correctly. Concessions can occasionally drop off if card details expire, you move address, or there are system errors on your provider's end. Catching a missing credit early means you can get it reinstated without losing multiple billing periods.

3. Understand WA's Regulated Pricing

Because WA's residential electricity prices are regulated by the state government (through the Synergy tariff schedule), you generally cannot lower your electricity rate by switching retailers. However, you can reduce your overall electricity costs by:

• Ensuring you are on the correct tariff for your usage pattern (e.g., time-of-use if you shift consumption to off-peak hours)

• Reviewing whether a solar buyback scheme applies to your property

• Using the
to understand how your costs compare to benchmarks

You can
— free and zero-commission.

Related Benefits and Resources

If you are exploring Western Australian energy concessions, you may also want to look into:

•
— the pension that underlies Pensioner Concession Card eligibility

•
— additional concessions for self-funded retirees aged 66+

•
— how New South Wales handles energy rebates (useful if comparing across states)

•
— South Australia's concession stacking system

•
— see estimated costs for your area and usage, free and zero-commission

•
— full list of state concessions across all categories

•
— Perth metro and south-west WA electricity provider

•
— regional and remote WA electricity provider

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Energy Assistance Payment in WA and how much is it worth?

The Energy Assistance Payment (EAP) is Western Australia's primary energy concession for eligible concession card holders. It is worth $326.33 per year and is applied as a credit to your electricity bill by Synergy or Horizon Power. You may be eligible if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or DVA Gold Card and the electricity account is in your name at your principal place of residence.

Can I get extra rebates if I have children?

Yes. If you are already receiving the Energy Assistance Payment, you may also receive the Dependent Child Rebate of $146.84 per dependent child per year. This is applied per child, so a family with three children could receive an additional $440.52 per year on top of the EAP. Contact Synergy or Horizon Power to register the number of dependent children in your household.

What is HUGS and how do I apply?

HUGS (Hardship Utility Grant Scheme) is an emergency assistance program that covers 85% of an outstanding electricity, gas, or water bill for WA households in genuine financial hardship. You cannot apply directly — you must go through a HUGS-approved financial counsellor, who will assess your situation and apply on your behalf. Contact the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 for a referral.

Is the concession amount different for Synergy and Horizon Power customers?

No. The WA Government sets the concession amounts (EAP, Dependent Child Rebate, etc.) at the state level, and they are the same regardless of whether you are with Synergy or Horizon Power. You apply through whichever provider serves your area, and the credit is applied to your bill in the same way.

Can I switch electricity retailers in WA to get a lower price?

Unlike the eastern states (NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia), Western Australia does not have a competitive residential electricity market. Most households are served by either Synergy or Horizon Power depending on their location, and you generally cannot choose a different retailer. However, you can check whether you are on the most suitable tariff for your usage pattern by contacting your provider.

Also from July: the AEMC is proposing to ban the energy loyalty tax — same plan, same price for all customers.

Compare energy plans and explore available concessions at
— free, zero-commission energy comparison for Australian households.

Disclaimer: General information only, not personal financial advice. Concession amounts, eligibility criteria, and government programs may change without notice. All dollar amounts shown are estimated based on publicly available information as of April 2026 and should be verified with your electricity provider (Synergy or Horizon Power), the WA Department of Communities, or the
. Internest does not administer government concessions.